Off to look at a 2.1VSX estate in the morning (our lovely green estate died in France ), I know I've seen posts on this subject, but I can't find a quick guide on how to check if the Hydractive system is working as I've never owned one (apart from a donor wreck).
Could someone point me at a suitable thread ASAP please?
If I buy it, you'll soon hear about it!
2012 Subaru Forester - capable but no magic carpet
2011 Grand C4 Picasso VTR+ 1.6HDi - not missed!
1995 Xantia Estate SX 1.9TD in Vert Vega "The Green Lady" - sadly missed
1998 Xantia 2.1 VXD Estate in Mauritius Blue - R.I.P. (terminal tin-worm)
The main thing to do is a bounce test to see if the hard/soft switching is working.
Let the engine idle and bounce the front and rear suspension as you would on any Xantia - should be nice and soft, softer than what you're used to if all the spheres are good.
Then turn the engine off, close all doors and wait at least 30 seconds (you should hear a distinct click when the electrovalves go off) and then try the bounce test again. Both ends should now be much stiffer - there should be a little bit of movement but it will be rather stiff.
If it passes that test its probably working ok. If there is no change and its always stiff then it could either be that the hydractive regulator spheres are punctured, or that the hard/soft switching is not working. (possibly electrovalve diodes)
After the car has sat for at least 30 seconds with the doors closed and engine off open a door and you should hear a distinct click coming from the front and rear of the car - that's the electrovalves switching back to soft. Failure to hear this click may indicate an electrical problem. There should be a continuous high pitched whine after the click as well but unless you have good hearing in a quiet area you may not hear it, but generally under the bonnet you should be able to hear the whine with the engine off and a door open.
Simon
2016 Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh in White
1997 Xantia S1 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive in Silex Grey 2011 Peugeot Ion Full Electric in Silver 1998 Xantia S2 3.0 V6 Auto Exclusive 1997 Xantia S1 2.0i Auto VSX 1978 CX 2400 1977 G Special 1129cc LHD
If its any help buddy my old VSX estate had great suspension that, if you let it know what you were doing, was almost 'active' in its behaviour.. for example, a slight turn in before a full steering demand had the feeling of loading up the outside of the car and held it almost perfectly level through the bends.... I hope that makes sense? In other words when used properly there was very little body roll.
Simon thanks so much for that concise explanation; exactly what I was looking for but couldn't find.
Guy
2012 Subaru Forester - capable but no magic carpet
2011 Grand C4 Picasso VTR+ 1.6HDi - not missed!
1995 Xantia Estate SX 1.9TD in Vert Vega "The Green Lady" - sadly missed
1998 Xantia 2.1 VXD Estate in Mauritius Blue - R.I.P. (terminal tin-worm)
